How to Fabricate a Whole Chicken {Step-by-Step Guide}
Today I have another how-to to share with you all. It is something that used to seem so intimidating to me, but now seems so simple. Not only is it rewarding to be able to break down your own chicken, it is much cheaper than buying pre-cut chicken! I was able to buy whole chickens for less than $5 each at King Soopers! If you want free-range chickens it will be a little more expensive, but still nowhere close to the price of pre-cut pieces. I have also grown to enjoy switching up my typical routine of boneless, skinless breasts. There is so much more to a chicken than that!
To begin, you will need a large cutting board, two bowls (one for finished pieces and one for scraps), a sharp knife (I like using my Chef’s knife), kitchen shears (optional), and a pairing knife (optional).
First, lay the bird breasts down. Trim away excess fat around the neck. Using shears or a knife, cut directly down each side of the back bone, through the ribs, to remove the spine. Make sure to cut AWAY from yourself.
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It’s so interesting to see how they teach you to do it in culinary school – I do it completely differently, starting with the breast side up. I first pop the thigh joints and remove the thighs, then I cut the breast along the bone at the top, following very closely to the ribs down to remove the breast meat. I usually toss the wings as I don’t care about them. Then I save the carcass for making stock. Next time you’re home we’ll work with two birds and show each other!
I agree with you, Jenny — there’s so much more to chicken than just “boneless, skinless chicken breasts.” This was a neat tutorial — thanks!
Thank your for your thought provoking yet helpful quotes. Could you add a “How to ” for instruction to “deconstruct” a whole chicken with the step by step instructions in print form please. Keep up the good work regards mazzab from downunder.
Yeah I have done it that way too. I feel like I get the most meat from the breasts doing it this way, but I have begun to take the thighs off first then take the back bone out.